Virginia Beach offers free rides to vaccine clinics to help people with less access to health care

Virginia Beach — Virginia Beach does not want lack of transportation to stop people from getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

So the city is arranging free transportation to residents who can’t otherwise get to vaccination sites, said Joe Corley, who plans and coordinates vaccination events for the city.

Residents without a vehicle or who can’t drive may call the city’s 311 information line to schedule a pickup. Requests should be made at least three to four days in advance of a scheduled appointment.

The city intends to help people in communities that have less access to health care and people with mobility challenges. Upon request, vehicles equipped to transport individuals who use wheelchairs are available, Corley said.

“It is specifically designed for health equity,” he said.

The transportation costs will be paid for with more than $30,000 in grant funding awarded to the city. The service has been operating for about a month and has transported 12 people so far, Corley said.

“I anticipate the numbers will increase rapidly over the next month or so,” Corley said.

The city’s mass vaccination site is located at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The city is also holding vaccination clinics at a different recreational center on Fridays, Corley said. Other smaller clinics will be held throughout the city in the coming months as the vaccination supply continues to increase.

The number to call to schedule a ride is 757-385-3111. Landline telephones users in Virginia Beach may dial 311.

Alissa Skelton, 757-995-9043, alissa.skelton@pilotonline.com.